Impact of Medicare Part D on Community Pharmacy: A multi-region, multi-state survey

Purpose: A multi-region, multi-state survey was conducted to understand community pharmacists’ experiences with Medicare Part D. 

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of pharmacists practicing in six different states (New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maine, Pennsylvania and Maryland) was conducted between June and December 2011 using Surveymonkey.com.  Questions were asked in multiple categories: demographics, impact of Part D on community pharmacy and patients, and beliefs about ideal pharmacy practice and Part D plans.  Pharmacists received three email blasts.  Participation was voluntary and anonymous.

Results: The overall adjusted response rates were 67% (272/407) and 12% (272/2175) with 407 emails tracked and 2175 emails opened, respectively.  Most respondents (71%) were practicing in independent pharmacies and 41% were either owner or part-owner.  Seventy percent of the respondents were male (average age 51 years) and 84% had over 15 years of work experience.  The survey responses were as follows: 56% of respondents indicated that reimbursement was the most significant concern in reference to Part D.  Thirty seven percent reported declining or below average financial performance since the initiation of Part D and intended to sell their businesses within 5 years.  However, 71% reported a lack of potential buyers.  Although 43% reported that addressing formulary and copayment issues consumed most of their time, only a quarter (25%) thought it was their responsibility to address copayment/ cost issues.  From the patient perspective, 53% of the pharmacists reported that the most significant concern was formulary and copayment.  However, pharmacists thought that almost half (47%) of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied with Part D.   

Conclusion: Pharmacists who responded to this survey reported poor reimbursement as the most significant concern associated with Part D.  Although pharmacists were spending most of their time addressing formulary and co-payment issues, most felt it was not their responsibility to address these issues.